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Different retention of each database of MSSQL via plugin

  • August 27, 2025
  • 7 comments
  • 80 views

Marcel.K
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Hello,

i would like to ask, if its possible to set retention period of each database different.

Based on Veeam helpcenter  there is an option to set - “delete backups older than”, which will delete all backups of all databases due not native SQL backup supported.

Is there any option how to achieve that?

 

thank you

 

Best answer by Marcel.K

I have tested that via different agent jobs as you suggest in this topic, but is always were backups deleted by shortest retention

 

I have opened case and statement is:

·  GFS – is currently not available for the MSSQL Plugin

·  Different retention periods for different databases on the same server | The retention period is implemented based on the shortest retention of all the jobs configured on the machine (regardless of the databases included). 

 

So currently is not possible GFS and different retentions for different databases.

I have created feature request for that on R&D.

7 comments

Chris.Childerhose
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  • Veeam Legend, Veeam Vanguard
  • 9587 comments
  • August 27, 2025

As best I understand the plugin there is no option for this current.  I would suggest checking the Forums and putting in a suggestion there - https://forums.veeam.com

Not sure what is planned in v13.


MattM
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  • Experienced User
  • 56 comments
  • August 27, 2025

The retention configured in a SQL-plugin job (as shown on the helpcenter page you referenced) applies only to the databases that are protected by this job. You can create multiple jobs, each having its individual retention.

Thus, you CAN set different retentions for each database you’re protecting. You just need to create a separate job for each retention you need (and add the corresponding databases to this job only).


Marcel.K
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  • Author
  • Veeam Legend
  • 297 comments
  • August 27, 2025

MattM we have been create multiple job, but in the reference is link to delete all backups after x days, not retention period as such, even is provided by different job


Chris.Childerhose
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  • Veeam Legend, Veeam Vanguard
  • 9587 comments
  • August 27, 2025

If you have the delete after X days set then it should delete backups after that many days but keep in mind it keeps 7 days by default -

In the Delete backups older than <N> days field, specify the number of days for which you want to keep backups in the backup repository. By default, Veeam Plug-in keeps backup files for 7 days


Marcel.K
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  • Author
  • Veeam Legend
  • 297 comments
  • August 28, 2025

the requirement from customer is to have different retention periods

like for DB A, B, C 14 days, for DB D,E,F 1 months

on otp of that for DB A,D monthly backup with 1 year retention

so we have 3 jobs in sql studio

but if job for A,B,C will run, it will delete backups for D,E,F and yearly backups as well, because job for A,B,C DBs has “delete older than 14 days”

So issue is that it should skip deleting backups for D,E,F and yearly backups, but is not the case


waqasali
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  • Influencer
  • 405 comments
  • August 28, 2025

Based on my experience, the best approach is to:

  • Create separate backup jobs for each database or group of databases with similar retention needs.
  • Use SQL Agent Jobs to schedule backups independently if needed.
  • Manage retention through the repository settings and job configuration in Veeam Backup & Replication.

Chris.Childerhose
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  • Veeam Legend, Veeam Vanguard
  • 9587 comments
  • August 28, 2025

the requirement from customer is to have different retention periods

like for DB A, B, C 14 days, for DB D,E,F 1 months

on otp of that for DB A,D monthly backup with 1 year retention

so we have 3 jobs in sql studio

but if job for A,B,C will run, it will delete backups for D,E,F and yearly backups as well, because job for A,B,C DBs has “delete older than 14 days”

So issue is that it should skip deleting backups for D,E,F and yearly backups, but is not the case

Then you need to separate all the databases to allow proper retention.  There is no way around it.


Marcel.K
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  • Author
  • Veeam Legend
  • 297 comments
  • Answer
  • September 4, 2025

I have tested that via different agent jobs as you suggest in this topic, but is always were backups deleted by shortest retention

 

I have opened case and statement is:

·  GFS – is currently not available for the MSSQL Plugin

·  Different retention periods for different databases on the same server | The retention period is implemented based on the shortest retention of all the jobs configured on the machine (regardless of the databases included). 

 

So currently is not possible GFS and different retentions for different databases.

I have created feature request for that on R&D.